Child Custody in Connecticut

UNDERSTANDING HOW CHILD CUSTODY WORKS IN CONNECTICUT

Due to the complexity and emotional nature of child custody and child support cases, it is crucial to have experienced legal representation. McConnell Family Law Group is a leading child custody law firm serving Fairfield, Hartford and New Haven Counties. We have offices in New Canaan, Stamford, Hartford and New Haven.

At McConnell Family Law Group, we have the experience to assist you in protecting your custody interests during divorce or in a dispute between grandparents, custodial parents or unmarried parents. We take the time to understand each unique situation and develop an appropriate solution to protect your custody interests and the related issue of child support.

Child Custody and Visitation Law Factors

Child Custody disputes in Connecticut are governed by Connecticut General Statute § 46b-56(c), which provides: “In making or modifying any order as provided in subsections (a) and (b) of this section, the court shall consider the best interests of the child, and in doing so may consider, but shall not be limited to, one or more of the following factors: The temperament and developmental needs of the child;

The capacity and the disposition of the parents to understand and meet the needs of the child;

Any relevant and material information obtained from the child, including the informed preferences of the child;

The wishes of the child’s parents as to custody;

The past and current interaction and relationship of the child with each parent, the child’s siblings and any other person who may significantly affect the best interests of the child;

The willingness and ability of each parent to facilitate and encourage such continuing parent-child relationship between the child and the other parent as is appropriate, including compliance with any court orders;

Any manipulation by or coercive behavior of the parents in an effort to involve the child in the parents’ dispute;

The ability of each parent to be actively involved in the life of the child;

The child’s adjustment to his or her home, school and community environments;

The length of time that the child has lived in a stable and satisfactory environment and the desirability of maintaining continuity in such environment, provided the court may consider favorably a parent who voluntarily leaves the child’s family home pendent lite in order to alleviate stress in the household;

The stability of the child’s existing or proposed residences, or both;

The mental and physical health of all individuals involved, except that a disability of a proposed custodial parent or other party, in and of itself, shall not be determinative of custody unless the proposed custodial arrangement is not in the best interests of the child;

The child’s cultural background;

The effect on the child of the actions of an abuser, if any domestic violence has occurred between the parents or between a parent and another individual or the child;

Whether the child or a sibling of the child has been abused or neglected;

Whether the party satisfactorily complete participation in a parenting education program.

Contact a Custody Lawyer Today

McConnell Family Law Group has experience in dealing with difficult cases, including those involving domestic physical and emotional abuse and cases when parents have violated court orders. No matter how complicated, serious, or emotionally-charged your situation is, McConnell Family Law Group has the experience and dedication to assist you. Our offices are located in Fairfield, New Haven and Hartford counties. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.